Cambridge is a city in the county of Cambridgeshire, England. This beautiful city of the UK is widely known for the University of Cambridge and legendary colleges in Cambridge. It started around 1209, making it one of the oldest Universities in the world.
Cambridge University offers undergraduate humanities, social science, arts, engineering, and sciences undergraduate programs. Currently, there are 31 colleges under the University of Cambridge for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Moreover, Cambridge University is home to over 20,000 students from various countries who study here each academic year.
Read on further if you plan to study at the University of Cambridge.
List of Top Colleges in Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is ranked third among Global universities by THE (Times Higher Education) University Ranking and second by QS World University Ranking, making it one of the most widely accepted universities in the world.
Additionally, over 5000 international students are currently studying at Cambridge University. Here is the list of the top ten colleges that you must consider when planning to take admission to Cambridge.
1. Christ’s College
Christ’s College was established initially as ‘God’s-house’ in 1437 by William Bingham as a training centre for grammar school masters.
The college received its first Royal Licence from King Henry VI in 1446. It was later re-founded as Christ’s College in 1505 by Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII. The college is located at St. Andrews Street, Cambridge.
At the back of the college is a famous structure called ‘the New Court.’ The college has its swimming pool, which is said to be one of the oldest swimming pools in the UK.
Moreover, the college has several undergraduate and postgraduate students currently pursuing their studies. Christ’s College is known for its excellence in education and teaching.
It has graduated many students, and the notable alumni include Louis Mountbatten, John Milton, and Historian Simon Schama.
2. Churchill College
Churchill College, founded in 1960, is located in Storey’s Way, Cambridge, United Kingdom. Winston Churchill inspired the founding of this college.
Additionally, the college has the best faculties and supervision for medical students, so this is the best college to study medicine. Moreover, Churchill College has a competitive acceptance rate for admission to different programs.
Also, the college has many undergraduate and postgraduate courses except Land Economy, Theology, Religion, and Philosophy of Religion.
The college has the most unique architecture with a vast sports ground, and there are also many events and lecture programs arranged in the college for students.
There are also various clubs and departments arranged for the students.
3. Clare College
Clare College is the second oldest college in the university and is best known for its excellence in teaching and the academics of its students.
Additionally, the college is located on Trinity Lane, Cambridge. It was founded as a university hall in 1326 and eventually got its now-known name in 1856.
Moreover, it is one of the most popular colleges among Cambridge colleges.
Also, the college has its own well-maintained library, sports ground, gym, and music rooms. The students here run many societies, like drama, politics, and sports.
The college is widely known for its musical tradition and has a musical choir.
The college also provides accommodation facilities for undergraduate students enrolled for three years.
The accommodation period can be extended for one more year for 4-year courses. College students also have access to their college canteen called ‘Buttery.’
4. Corpus Christi College
Located on Trumpington Street, Cambridge, Corpus Christi College is the only Cambridge college founded by Cambridge townspeople and was established by the Guild of the Corpus and the Guild of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1352.
Moreover, the college offers many courses under the University of Cambridge, including Arts, Science, and Business, and the Parker Library of the College is known for its significant collection of medieval and Renaissance manuscripts.
Also, Corpus Christi College provides accommodation facilities, including single rooms with furnished beds, drawers, chairs, sofas, wardrobes, and many more.
5. Darwin College
Founded in 1964, Darwin College is located at Silver Street, Cambridge, and this college was Cambridge University’s first graduate-only college and the first college to accept both male and female students.
Also, Darwin College is notable for its distinctive Victorian and Georgian architecture, gardens, and college site, including the nearby River Cam.
However, the college offers accommodation for the duration of your course and gives rooms according to your budget.
Moreover, the college also offers various fellowship programs to the students.
The catering team provides a café facility, and many meals, including plant-based dishes, are served. The college has its college shop where different college accessories are sold.
Notable alumni include Jane Goodall, Roger Gosden, and Monica Grady.
6. Trinity College
Trinity College was founded in 1546 on Trinity Street, Cambridge.
However, King Henry VIII founded Trinity College, one of the largest Cambridge colleges, and is said to be the wealthiest college among the other institutions in Cambridge or Oxford.
This college has a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, which implies that the faculty takes a particular interest in each pupil during their academics.
Also, the University of Cambridge offers a wide range of degree programs through its six schools: arts and humanities, biological sciences, clinical medicine, humanities and social sciences, physical sciences, and technology.
Trinity College supports many clubs and societies. Furthermore, the college offers many internships and studentships to the pupils.
In addition, the college also has a library with books covering a wide range of topics for regular and research students. The library functions with computers and Wi-Fi as well.
7. St John’s College
Located at St John’s Street, Cambridge, St John’s College was founded in 1511 by the Tudor matriarch Lady Margaret Beaufort and is known to be the second wealthiest college in Oxford and Cambridge.
Also, St John’s College offers a wide range of courses, including Architecture, Mathematics, History, Economics, Medical science, etc.
Additionally, the college also has a Student Services office, which helps the grads with information like exams, events, references, bills, etc. The college also provides additional support for grads with disabilities.
However, St John’s College could be visited on any open day for a tour around the college covering various departments and to know about the admission processes.
Moreover, the college site could be viewed to learn more about the upcoming events and application process.
8. Robinson College
Founded in 1977, Robinson College is known to be unique in admitting men and women undergraduates and graduates from inception.
Among the many colleges of the university, Robinson College is known to use handmade red bricks in its construction and is the youngest Cambridge college.
The college is the most ambitious and modern among the Cambridge colleges. Also, the college garden here is very famous and dates back to late Victorian and Early Edwardian times.
In the college dining hall, where diners are seated throughout the meal.
Moreover, three-course meals are offered at the college dining hall, and the formal entrance takes place twice a week on Tuesday and Friday evenings with a specific dress code.
Additionally, the college also provides junior research fellowships.
9. Sidney Sussex College
Sidney Sussex College is famously known as one of the smaller Cambridge colleges.
Also, Sidney Sussex is known for its warm and friendly atmosphere and is a welcoming college. The history of the college dates back to its foundation date in 1596 when the college was named after its foundress.
The college supports many research activities and provides postgraduate scholarships and studentships under the terms of the will of Frances Sidney, Countess of Sussex.
The formal hall dining in Sidney Takes place thrice a week, and the food is served at the hall. Moreover, this specific college has many award-winning Alumni and an active alumni community.
10. Magdalene College
Founded in 1428, Magdalene has beautiful historic buildings and gardens and excellent modern facilities, from lecture theatres to concert venues.
However, the college also has en-suite accommodation provision for fine dining, including a sports ground. Moreover, Magdalene College was the last all-male college to be mixed in the university.
The college has various departments like the garden department, IT department, etc. Furthermore, the college library is very prominent for its collection of diverse books.
End Note
There are many colleges under the University of Cambridge, and each college acts as a mini-university within the University of Cambridge. Also, the language spoken here is mainly a blend of all English, East Anglian English, and Queen’s English, the ‘traditional’ Cambridge accent. Hence, language is not a barrier for new students.
Additionally, many programs are offered to undergraduates and postgraduates, as well as research opportunities in Cambridge. Indeed, it is a dream place for a bright future in education.
Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty